Are you and/or your child already bored of the same ol’ PB&J? Mix it up this year with delicious, healthy and just-the-right-amount-of-unusual sandwich recipes – perfect for afternoon dining at work or school, or perhaps a quick and casual weeknight dinner. Here are some of our favorites, recommended girlfriend to girlfriend:

Nothing quite introduces Autumn the way apples do: Their sweet yet tart crisp seems to mimic the newly brisk air, and orchards across the country are suddenly laden with the much-beloved fruit. Celebrate apple season by slipping some crunchy slices into your next grilled cheese. This recipe reminds us that apples and cheddar make for an excellent pairing; arugula (which may be left out when preparing these for children or other picky eaters) adds peppery contrast. Check out the full recipe here: www.foodess.com.

This one may just have you wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Swap out the jelly that usually partners with classic peanut butter for fresh fruit slices (pictured here, a green apple and a banana – but feel free to get creative!) and a drizzle of maple syrup, then add a dash of cinnamon for a tasty (and healthier!) alternative to the American standard. The crunch of the apple and the sweet spiciness of the cinnamon make this a more interesting (and even upscale) version of the PB&J. See the recipe at whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday.tumblr.com.

Here’s yet another deliciously unconventional use of fresh fruit: Add pineapple to a ham and cheese sandwich for tropical flair; the sweet-and-salty combination may surprise you. The pork in this recipe (you could definitely substitute chicken, if you prefer) is already slightly sweet from the glaze, and salty provolone cheese is the perfect counterpoint. Here, the blogger has also baked her own bread – but that step can certainly be skipped for the sake of time! The entire recipe can be found at www.brannyboilsover.com.

This recipe, which cleverly turns the popular Italian entree into handheld form, was actually crafted for a sandwich-making contest. It takes all of the flavors of Chicken Piccata (with the help of zesty Artichoke Caper Slaw and homemade Lemon Aioli) and nestles them snugly into a toasted, chewy but soft, ciabatta roll. Our tip: So as not to let the whole thing become soggy in a lunchbox, you may wish to keep the slaw stored separately throughout the day. See the full list of ingredients, recipe, and verdict here: barbarabakes.com.

5. Egg Salad BLTA by Damn Delicious

Bacon in an egg salad sandwich, you say?! Well, it actually makes a lot of sense, if you really think about it… Bacon and eggs are an obvious pair, and who can argue with the inherent deliciousness of a BLT? Combine the two and add fresh avocado, and how could the results be anything but amazing? Here, the traditional lettuce is swapped out for iron-rich spinach to provide an added dose of nutrition. The full recipe, complete with step-by-step photos, can be found over at damndelicious.tumblr.com.

… And lastly, one for the vegans (or simply health-conscious): In response to the various reasons people are using these days for cutting tuna fish out of their diets, this recipe offers a great alternative to the lunch classic. Canned tuna is swapped out for hearty, delicious chickpeas – and salty umeboshi vinegar even mimics the brininess of the sea! The vinegar and dried seaweed (which can be crumbled into the chickpea mix for an added punch) can both be found in a well-stocked grocery store, or any place that sells Japanese ingredients. And the recipe can be found at www.thekitchn.com.

Have you tried any of these recipes, or do you have another slightly-off-the-beaten-path sandwich recipe that you’d like to share? Please let us know in the comments below! We love receiving feedback from our MyChellian community, just as much as we love sharing our own girlfriend-recommended tips!